FG automates 2026 world teachers’ day awards to boost transparency

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has digitised the selection process for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day awards in a bid to enforce transparency, strengthen accountability, and build a secure digital reference system.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, announced the reform during a press conference in Abuja on Friday to herald activities for the upcoming global celebration.

According to Dr Ahmad, the national selection process, coordinated alongside state Ministries of Education, was fully automated in alignment with African Union guidelines.

“For the first time, the selection processes coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education were digitalised in line with African Union guidelines to ensure safety, accountability, and reference,” the minister stated, adding that the overarching objective is to attract top talent into the teaching profession while retaining experienced educators.

Supporting the government’s digital drive, the <a href=" Union of Teachers (NUT) emphasised that technological advancement must reinforce, rather than displace, the central role of the classroom teacher.

Speaking on behalf of NUT National President Audu Amba, Deputy National President Kizito Kalu stressed that emerging tools like artificial intelligence should be deployed to empower educators rather than diminish their professional standing.

“Technology and artificial intelligence should strengthen rather than diminish teachers’ professional roles,” Kalu stated, calling on all tiers of government to prioritise sustained funding for teacher training, competitive welfare packages, and continuous professional development to keep pace with global changes.

The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration operates under the continental theme, “Transforming the Teacher Profession for Africa’s Future.”